Solution provider EPLAN showcases the new Version 2.2 of the EPLAN Platform at SPS IPC Drives, Hall 7A / Stand 240. With numerous functional extensions and innovative additional modules, such as field cabling, Version 2.2 opens up new perspectives in engineering. The new graphical macro selection, smart terminal analysis and automatic termination points provide rapid design engineering results. Engineers receive a solid system which accelerates processes and provides a basis for standardization and automation.

The motto is clear: efficient engineering and the simultaneous creation of high-quality and informative documentation. The new Version 2.2 of the EPLAN Platform has been created to face this challenge. Rapid filters in project data navigators, comprehensive parts data exchange and extended terminal design ensures greater convenience and speed in project processing. An intuitive graphical macro selection helps designers to implement standards effectively, while still being able to navigate comprehensive macro collections. Informative graphics and a clear structure makes accessing defined circuit templates a breeze. Complicated clicking through directory structures is replaced with graphically supported navigation. This allows technical sales staff to draw up initial circuit documentation in dialogue with their customers as early as the initial project brief.

Terminals shown graphically
Clear circuit diagrams are one thing – informative reports another. Version 2.2 focuses on the evaluation of terminal data. The switching states of the terminals stored in the circuit diagram can be automatically illustrated graphically in reports. This is highly desirable in the power engineering sector particularly, because here the switching states and the detailed structure of the terminal blocks are a central component of project documentation. Once the terminal data has been stored in the circuit diagram, EPLAN can automatically generate these high-quality terminal documents.

Smart Connecting extended
What do engineers do when the circuit diagram page is overflowing with information? When there is; no more space, or simply too overcrowded to read? With Version 2.2 termination points are now automatically set between connections that become separated when circuit sections are moved by Copy&Paste from one circuit diagram page to another. All electrical connections are now retained without the designer needing to do anything. Tidying up or redrawing circuit diagrams has now become fun. Colleagues in the downstream project phases can now make their contribution to optimum project progress thanks to short installation and commissioning times, this is due to clear comprehensible documentation.

EPLAN FieldSys
Informative and complete project documentation is absolutely essential in automation technology. This documentation is indispensable, not only for Engineering, but also Installation, commissioning and service. It is even better if the field cabling of a machine or plant, (which is becoming more and more complex,) can also be directly documented in the EPLAN project. This documentation becomes an integral part of the EPLAN project with the new EPLAN FieldSys module. Cables can automatically be routed through a network and the lengths calculated from an underlying 2D shop layout. The outcome is the best possible data for cost calculations and comprehensive routing information for the installation team on site. Connections between controller and field components can be planned efficiently and documented sustainably in this way.